Regional Center for Poison Control
and Prevention
Serving Massachusetts and Rhode Island
Poisonous Plants
Children are often attracted to the colorful berries, flowers, fruits, and leaves of plants. But over 700 plants
in the US and Canada have been identified as poisonous. These can be found anywhere – in your home or
your neighbor’s home, in florist shops and grocery stores, in yards, in the woods and on playgrounds.
Plants are a common cause of poisoning to preschool children. If eaten, some plant parts can cause a skin
rash or upset stomach; others can cause more serious symptoms. Here is a partial list of indoor and
outdoor plants that can cause symptoms when ingested:
Autumn Crocus
Azalea
Baneberry
Belladonna
Black Cherry
Black Locust
Buckeye
Caladium
Casper Spurge
Castor Bean
Cherry
Chinaberry
Daffodil Bulbs
Daphne
Delphinium
Dieffenbachia
Dumbcane
False Hellebore
Foxglove
Goldenchain
Holly Berries
Horse Chestnuts
Hyacinth
Hydrangea
Jack in the Pulpit
Jequirity Bean
Jessamine
Jimson weed
Larkspur
Lantana
Laurel
Lily of the Valley
Lupine
Mistletoe
Monkshood
Moon Flower
Moonseed
Morning Glory Seed
Mountain Laurel
Mushrooms
Nightshade
Oleander
Philodendron
Poinsettia
Poison Hemlock
Pokeweed
Rhododendron
Rhubarb Leaves
Rosary Pea
Rubber Vine
Sandbox Tree
Tansy
Thorn Apple
Tobacco
Tung Oil Tree
Water Hemlock
White Snakeroot
Wisteria
Yellow Oleander
Yew
How to Prevent Plant Poisonings
Fortunately, most plant poisonings can be prevented. Here are some ways:
Identify plants in your home and yard. You can get help from library books, garden and florist shops,
plant nurseries, or Cooperative Extension Services located at University of Rhode Island and University
of Massachusetts.
Learn which plants are poisonous.
Remove poisonous plants from the area.
Keep young children away from all plants. Even eating too much of a safe plant can make someone sick.
Supervise young children closely around plants.
Teach children not to put plants, fruits, and berries in their mouths.
For a list of plants poisonous to pets consult: http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=apcc
What to do if you suspect someone has swallowed a plant?
If you think someone may have swallowed any part of a poisonous plant, first remove
any remaining pieces from the person’s mouth. Then, bring the person and a piece
of the plant to the phone and call your poison control center right away.
24-HOUR POISON HOTLINE 1-800-222-1222
www.maripoisoncenter.com
Supported in part by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the Rhode Island Department of Health, Project #H4BMC00050 from the Maternal and
Child Health Bureau, Health and Human Services, Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare of Massachusetts and member hospitals.